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Most beginning screenwriters I come in contact with want to just start writing their script instead of doing an outline (beat sheet, step sheet, treatment, 3 act breakdown or whatever you want to call it).
I appreciate the desire to just dive into the pool and start swimming. Whenever I get a new idea I want to start writing the script right away. But I've learned that putting my thoughts down in even the most basic cause and effect outline helps. It's good to know where the first Act ends before you've written the first page. And it's REALLY good to know where the second Act ends. And if you're lucky enough to actually have an idea of what your third Act will be you are on the road to nirvana.
I have found that some screenwriters are incapable of thinking things out ahead of time. They might as well "just start writing" and hope they'll find their way. But most of the screenwriters who work with me get to be very good at plotting out their scripts for the simple fact that I force them to do it.
Some struggle through the process. Others find that it's not as painful as they thought.
I try to make them understand that sooner or later they will run into a brick wall. By doing even the roughest storyline of their idea they might avoid plot obstacles later on.
Most people have trouble getting into the third Act and figuring out how their story will end. But I believe that if you can at least get to the end of Act Two you are in a good place. Certainly a better place than the person who has done little if any pre-thinking and starts the writing process by facing an empty Page One with no particular place to go.
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